Ledyard, CT — [6/30/2024] — Hope in Focus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and other rare inherited retinal diseases, is pleased to announce the promotion of Courtney Coates to the position of Executive Director.

Coates has served as Hope in Focus’s Director of Outreach and Development since August 2021, where she played a pivotal role in expanding community engagement, strengthening partnerships, and advancing fundraising initiatives. Her leadership and passion for connecting families with vital resources, research, and support have helped significantly grow the organization’s reach and impact. 

Before joining Hope in Focus, she had held positions at the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, including Director of Administrative Partnerships, Program Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant. In these roles, she managed the Chamber’s organizational and clerical relationships with strategic partners, coordinated special programming efforts for workforce retention, and provided administrative support for select legislative and economic development initiatives.  Dedicated to serving her local community, she is also a familiar face at southeastern Connecticut events and other nonprofits, including Groton Community Meals, where she has served as board chair since 2020.

“Courtney’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to our mission have profoundly impacted Hope in Focus and our community,” said Laura Manfre, co-founder and board chair of Hope in Focus. “From day one, Courtney was a quick study, absorbing the cutting-edge science that is driving treatments for retinal disease, while also fostering a sense of community and support for those living with LCA. What we do as a rare disease organization isn’t simple or straightforward – we sit between science and the development of treatments for blindness, and the community of people living with vision loss who have hope for treatment.” 

“Courtney’s ability to bridge this gap and lead the collaboration between patients, industry, regulatory agencies, lawmakers, research, and partner organizations will continue to drive our success and strengthen our organization.” 

In her new role, Coates will lead the organization’s strategic planning and operations, drive awareness of rare inherited retinal diseases, and continue building relationships with researchers, industry leaders, and families worldwide.

“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as Executive Director,” said  Coates. “This community is incredibly resilient, hopeful, and determined—and it’s a privilege to walk alongside them. I look forward to building on our momentum and continuing to foster the connections that bring us closer to treatments, cures, and support for every family affected by LCA.”

For more information about Hope in Focus, visit www.hopeinfocus.org.

About Hope In Focus 

Hope in Focus, formerly Sofia Sees Hope, was founded in 2014 by Laura Manfre and Charles Priebe, whose daughter Sofia has LCA. Hope in Focus’s mission is to transform the lives of those affected by blindness caused by rare inherited retinal disease. The nonprofit organization generates awareness, raises funds for research, and provides outreach, support, and education to those affected by LCA and other rare retinal diseases.